Official broadcaster CCTV and other state media reported that the pilot issued a mayday call and the plane was guided into Guangzhou airport. Slides were deployed and 95 passengers and nine crew members were evacuated. Two people were injured.

The incident appears to point to a serious breakdown in security at Taizhou airport. China bans the carrying of cigarette lighters and flammable substances, including spirits, aboard all flights.

A statement from Shenzhen Airlines confirmed the incident but offered no additional details.

It was the latest in a rash of dangerous incidents aboard Chinese flights, including passengers opening emergency exits and fights between passengers and crew members.